Shloka 9
युधिष्ठिरप्रश्नः—विश्वामित्रस्य ब्राह्मणत्वकौतूहलम् | Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry on Viśvāmitra’s Attainment of Brāhmaṇya
त्रिशड्कुर्बन्धुभिमक्त ऐक्ष्वाक: प्रीतिपूर्वकम् । अवाक्शिरा दिवं नीतो दक्षिणामाश्रितो दिशम्
triśaṅkur bandhubhir mukta aikṣvākaḥ prītipūrvakam | avākśirā divaṃ nīto dakṣiṇām āśrito diśam ||
Yudhiṣṭhira dit : «Triśaṅku, le prince des Ikṣvāku, fut rejeté par ses propres parents. Lorsqu’il chuta du ciel et demeura suspendu la tête en bas, tourné vers le quartier du Sud, Viśvāmitra seul, par une résolution empreinte d’affection, le rétablit et le conduisit de nouveau au monde céleste.»
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when one is rejected by one’s own relatives and brought to disgrace, steadfast compassion and determined support by a righteous and powerful protector (here, the sage Viśvāmitra) can restore dignity. The verse highlights the ethical ideal of not abandoning the fallen and the extraordinary efficacy of tapas when guided by resolve and goodwill.
Yudhiṣṭhira cites the well-known legend of Triśaṅku: abandoned by his kinsmen and then falling from heaven, he hangs inverted toward the southern quarter. Viśvāmitra, moved by affection and resolve, intervenes and conveys him back to the heavenly realm, demonstrating the sage’s protective power.